Venus and Cupid

dated 1506 (probably executed c. 1509)

Lucas Cranach the Elder

Associated Names
Lucas Cranach the Elder

Artist, German, 1472 - 1553

The image shows a woman standing in a classical contrapposto position. She looks down at a small winged child beside her, often identified as a cherub or Cupid, who holds a bow and arrow. The woman's hair is styled in an intricate updo with vine-like elements, and she wears a necklace. She holds a piece of draped fabric or cloth in one hand. Around her, there is a tree with hanging coats of arms and branches reaching up. In the background, there is a hilly landscape with architectural structures like buildings or ruins, and clusters of clouds in the sky. The scene is primarily in red ink on a light-colored background, highlighting the intricate linework defining the forms.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut printed in red on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to image): 28.7 x 19.8 cm (11 5/16 x 7 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1998.6.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 105, State ii/ii (late 17th-cent. impression)


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Christian Gottlieb Crusius (c. 1718-1783), Dresden (Lugt 548); (C.G. Boerner); purchased 1997 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1997

  • C.G. Boerner Neue Lagerliste 109, 1997: no. 9.

Inscriptions

upper right in woodblock: L / 1506 / C

Watermarks

fleur-de-lis with initials LR (similar to Heawood 1790)

Wikidata ID

Q75407468

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